The holiday season is one of the best times of year to be in Greater Philadelphia. From free light shows in Center City to garden displays on the Main Line and festive events in South Jersey, there are things to do in Philly this holiday season for every kind of household. Here is our 2026 guide, with every date checked so you can plan ahead.
Holiday Events in Center City Philadelphia
Thanksgiving Day Parade
The 6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off the season on Thursday, November 26, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon. Many families make it an annual tradition to watch from the sidewalk before heading home for dinner.
Christmas Village at LOVE Park and City Hall
Christmas Village returns with a preview weekend on November 21 and 22, 2026, then runs daily from November 26 through December 27, 2026. It is closed November 23 through 25 and on Christmas Day. Admission is free, with pay as you go shopping, food, drinks, and rides, including a Ferris wheel and carousel at City Hall. New this year are a second Snowflake Cocktail Bar near the LOVE statue and new collectible mugs. See the Visit Philadelphia Christmas Village guide for details.
Wintergarden at Dilworth Park
Right next door, the Wintergarden at Winter at Dilworth Park runs November 13, 2026, through March 28, 2027, and is free to visit. Dilworth Park is also home to the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market, which runs through January 1, 2027.
Philly Holiday Tree at City Hall
The Philly Holiday Tree is on display at City Hall from December 3, 2026, through January 2, 2027, and the tree lighting is free to attend.
Electrical Spectacle Light Show at Franklin Square
Franklin Square's free nightly light show returns November 19, 2026, through January 3, 2027. It is an easy evening outing for families with young kids.
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
On the Delaware River waterfront at Penn's Landing, RiverRink Winterfest runs November 27, 2026, through February 28, 2027. Admission is free, and ice skating requires a ticket.
Holiday Lights Around Philadelphia Neighborhoods
- Manayunk Gets Lit: November 19 through December 31, 2026, along Main Street in Manayunk.
- Miracle on South 13th Street: November 28, 2026, through January 1, 2027, on the 1600 block of South 13th Street in South Philadelphia.
- LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo: November 19, 2026, through January 9, 2027. Tickets are required.
- Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum and Gardens: November 22 through December 30, 2026, near Chestnut Hill. Daytime visits are included with general admission, and the nighttime train experience requires separate timed tickets.
Holiday Events in the Suburbs and on the Main Line
- Rose Tree Festival of Lights: December 3, 2026, through January 3, 2027, at Rose Tree County Park in Media.
- A Longwood Christmas: November 20, 2026, through January 10, 2027, at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square. Timed tickets are required.
- Holiday Illumination at Peddler's Village: November 20, 2026, through January 19, 2027, in Bucks County. The festivities are free to attend.
- Conshohocken Winter Market: December 4 to 6 and December 11 to 13, 2026, in a heated tent beside Hotel West and Main.
- Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester: December 4, 2026, through January 3, 2027.
Holiday Events in South Jersey
- Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium: November 20 through December 24, 2026, in Camden, during regular hours with admission.
- TD Winter Festival: December 4, 2026, from 4 to 8 p.m. in Mount Laurel, with a tree lighting planned for around 7 p.m. Admission is free.
- Gloucester Township Christmas Village: December 12, 2026, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park.
Small town downtowns like Haddonfield, Collingswood, and Moorestown also host their own seasonal events, so check each town's calendar as December gets closer.
Tips for Enjoying the Season
- Go on a weeknight. Popular free events like Christmas Village and Franklin Square are busiest on weekends.
- Book ticketed shows early. Longwood Gardens, LumiNature, and the Morris Arboretum night train use timed tickets that can sell out.
- Take the train. Center City events are a short Regional Rail ride from many Main Line and suburban towns.
- Double check before you go. Event hours and weather closures can change, so confirm with each organizer the day of your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Christmas Village in Philadelphia open in 2026?
Christmas Village opens with a preview weekend on November 21 and 22, 2026, then runs from November 26 through December 27, 2026. It is closed November 23 to 25 and on December 25.
What are the best free holiday events in Philadelphia?
Free options include Christmas Village, the Wintergarden at Dilworth Park, the Electrical Spectacle Light Show at Franklin Square, the Philly Holiday Tree at City Hall, Manayunk Gets Lit, and Miracle on South 13th Street. Admission to RiverRink Winterfest is free, though skating is ticketed.
When is the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2026?
The 6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade is on Thursday, November 26, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Are there holiday light shows near the Main Line?
Yes. The Rose Tree Festival of Lights in Media runs December 3, 2026, through January 3, 2027, and A Longwood Christmas in Kennett Square runs November 20, 2026, through January 10, 2027.
Find Your Place for the Holidays and Beyond
Love how your favorite neighborhood celebrates the season? Our team helps buyers find homes across Philadelphia, the Main Line, and South Jersey. Browse homes for sale, learn about our buying process, or contact us to talk about your move. Thinking of selling in the new year? Start with a free home valuation.
More reading: Things to Do in Philly This Fall 2026 and Living in Philadelphia: What Newcomers Should Know Before Moving.
About the Author
Jim Roche is the CEO of The Rarity Real Estate Team, a KW Empower team that has surpassed $1 billion in closed sales across Greater Philadelphia, the Main Line, and South Jersey. A Northeast Philadelphia native and Penn State graduate, Jim has been recognized by Philly Magazine as a top producer and real estate Power Player. PA License #RS332204.
Sources: Visit Philadelphia (Christmas Village 2026 guide, 2026 holiday lights guide, and November 2026 events guide); PhillyVoice 2026 suburban and South Jersey holiday events guide. Dates checked November 9, 2026. Confirm hours with each organizer before visiting.
